Oil Oligarchs' Grip on Texas: How Their Influence Blocked Energy Reform

Understanding the impact of campaign funding on energy policy and environmental outcomes.

https://www.lonestarleft.com/p/oil-oligarchs-grip-on-texas-how-their



During the 88th Texas Legislature, several bills were introduced that would have lowered energy costs, bolstered our electric grid, and made Texas more energy efficient. As we would expect, under a Republican majority, the good bills were blocked, and the awful bills were pushed through.

It’s July, and it’s hot as hell in Texas. Much of the excessive heat is due to climate change, and many people are seeing skyrocketing electric bills as a result. It’s time to discuss why these issues weren’t fixed in the last legislative session.

SB 258.
This was a bill introduced by Senator Sarah Eckhardt (D). SB 258 would not only have reduced the growing demand on the electrical grid but would also have provided for the weatherization of homes and businesses.

First, the bill went through and out of the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce. It’s important to note that while the Senate passed it with nine votes, two Senators voted against it. Those nay votes were Brandon Creighton and Mayes Middleton.